This diy step by step article is about floating deck plans free. We suggest you to build an octagonal deck in your backyard, rather than construct a regular platform next to your house. Building a floating deck has its advantages, both from design or functional considerations, as you can enjoy taking a meal with your family, surrounded by trees, grass and nice flowers. In order to get to the octagonal deck, you have to construct a nice wooden pathway. In addition, the best part about our floating deck plans free is that you can adjust the dimensions as to fit your needs and tastes.
Use stakes to layout the octagonal deck and the walkways. Make sure that the diagonals of the octagonal decks are even, before digging the holes. The concept of a floating deck implies the following fact: the joist structure is not secured by any bolts to the footings. Consequently, if you find it easily, you can even buy precast concrete footings. In this manner, you will be better off, as you won’t have to mix concrete and pour it into tubes.
The fact that the octagonal deck is only a little above the ground level, makes it a cozy space which fits perfectly with the vegetation in your backyard. Nevertheless, the nice deck bench and the two wooden cabinets remind us that the floating deck is perfect for dinning together with your family or just admiring the surroundings. Building such a low floating deck requires a relatively level site. Consequently, be prepared to excavate a lot of soil, until you get a proper construction area. This is one of the hardest task of the project, so be prepared to work hard until you get the job done in a professional manner. Use a long spirit level to check the construction site, before installing the deck joists.
When building the octagonal frame you have to make the cuts with the circular saw at 22 1/2º (so that the good piece will have 67 1/2º). When installing the interior joists, make sure they have the same length and more importantly, they are perfectly square. When installing the wooden decking, allow it to overhang 1 1/2” on each side of the octagonal frame. This action has two reasons: on one hand it drives away the water and you can install side skirting. In addition, use pressure-treated wood, as to resist to water, moisture and heat. The design of this floating deck implies the installation of the wooden beams in direct contact with the ground, so you have to use treated wood. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
Made from this plan
In order to build a floating deck, you need the following:
Materials
- 4×4 wooden posts
- Concrete tubes and concrete
- Post anchors and screws
- 2×4 decking
- 2×6 joists
- Corner hardware
- 2×2 lumber
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Circular saw and miter saw
- Hammer, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Concrete mixer
- Electric screwdriver
Tips
- Use a laser level for accuracy
- When installing the wooden decking, allow it to overhang 1 1/2” on each side of the octagonal frame
Time
- One weekend
Floating deck plans free
Leveling deck footings
When building the deck, after you have set the layout of the posts, you have to dig the holes and install the concrete tubes. As you can see in the image, you have to secure the concrete forms by using 2 wooden brackets and several screws. Remember that the 2×4 brackets must be set on excavated ground.
Next, you must make sure that all the footings are level, so consequently you have to use a spirit level.
Deck footing
The wooden posts that support the deck structure may be inserted in concrete or anchored by using a post hardware. Each of this option is good, but taking into consideration the low elevation of the deck, we recommend you to set the post directly into concrete.
The depth of the footings depends on the soil structure, but usually is between 1-2′. After the concrete has dried out, you should fill the space around the concrete tube by using the excavated ground.
Octagonal deck structure
Next, after you have built the footings and installed the 4×4 posts, you have to continue the project by building the octagonal structure. Consequently, you have to use 2×6 joists, corner hardware and lag screws, as to build a rigid deck frame.
In order to cut the wooden joists, you have to use a good circular saw. Measure carefully the needed joists and work with patience, as to get the job done in a professional manner.
Floating deck plans
Continue the project by installing the decking boards. Therefore, align the 2×4 boards at both ends, drill several pilot holes and insert the decking screws. Make sure you leave at least 1/2” from the edges of the boards, to prevent wood from splitting.
Octagonal deck
After you have built the frame, by using our floating deck plans, you have to install the wooden decking. Therefore, fasten the 2×6 decking by using screws in the deck frame. Make sure you install the screws properly, otherwise the heads of the screws won’t be level with the decking surface.
In order to cut the decking in the octagonal shape, you have to use chalk line to draw the cut line. Next, use a circular saw to make the cut and an orbital sander to smooth the edges.
Octagonal deck bench
In our floating plans free, we also show you how to build a nice deck bench and two wooden cabinets. In this way you can build a nice area where to rest or take a meal.
In the image, you can see the dimension we recommend you to use, but you have to remember that you can adjust them as to fit your needs and tastes. Building the bench is not difficult, you just have to use the right tools and materials.
Deck bench
Therefore, the bench has to be supported by two 4×4 posts and a couple of brackets. In addition, you have to build a simple wooden frame in order to fasten the 2×4 wooden boards.
The wooden posts must be fastened to the deck structure, as to be able to support your weight properly. In order to make the joint rigid, you have to use long lag screws. In order to make the cuts, you have to use a circular saw or a jigsaw.
Deck cabinets
Last but not least, in this image you can see how to build deck cabinets. Consequently, use 2×6 wooden boards and 2×2 in order to make a rigid frame. In order to fasten the wooden boards, you have to drive in screws or nails. Make sure the walls of the cabinets are plumb, by using a spirit level. Work with great care using our floating deck plans free.
Inside the cabinet you could build a shelf, on which you can store different things or even plant flowers.
Deck plans free
Sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper, using a sand block or a orbital sander. Afterwards, apply several coats of varnish, to prevent wood decay or water damage.
Thank you for reading our article on floating deck plans, and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Please share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
Can this design be used to support a 6 foot diameter hot tub on a 14 foot structure? Looks strong and simple, just want to make sure it could support that weight.